BirchPlace Articles

The WayOut Club
London's premiere T-girl club!

THE 'WAYOUT' CLUB ~ reviewed by Tara Starr.

Since it's my local haunt on a Saturday night, the lovely folks at BirchPlace have asked me to write a short review of the 'Way Out' club.

As you may or may not know, the WO is London's main TV/TS venue on a Saturday night.

WayOut's own website can be found at www.thewayoutclub.com where you will find all you need to know regarding, location, timings and many other interesting titbits and of course, frequently asked questions.

Still, I thought for the benefit of those who have not been before, that it might be a better idea to offer a more personal insight, including one or two of my own asides on general etiquette for both nervous trannys and equally, admirers!

Having been to various clubs throughout the UK, I'd have to say that the WayOut would be my favourite.

There are some excellent tranny clubs around the country, including those in Manchester's gay village and of course London's 'Philbeach Hotel', not to mention 'Transmission' but anyway…all subjective!

Located in a very discreet area of the financial district and close to Tower Bridge, the club is perfectly situated, since the area is virtually deserted throughout week-ends. Parking is rarely, if ever, a problem.

The club opens from 9pm until 4am. (It tends to really get going around midnight).

The exact location is "Charlies" at 9 'Crosswall' off of 'Minories' EC3 (there is a sign outside, so you can't miss it). Reception is on your right as you enter the club with a lift (great for seriously high heel wearers like me!) and two flights of stairs down to the venue.

There is a long bar on your right and a good sized dance floor on the left which generally plays dance orientated music with of course, mandatory Kylie and Madonna thrown in! De-rigueur for tranny clubs!

Ahead of you is a sizeable seating area, which is a little more quiet and excellent for a girlie chat, in-depth discussion on make-up techniques, or indeed getting to know a new friend!

You can also order food if you wish… just go easy on the chips girls since the oil will remove your lipstick and play havoc with your waistline!

There is a cabaret every week, which ranges from burlesque through to events such as the Alternative Miss UK contest. These are hosted by Steffan Whitfield and Vicky Lee both of whom are very friendly and have been running and operating the club for a number of years. The show generally kicks off around 1.30am. Some events have various prizes, so if you fancy yourself a bit more extrovert than the rest of us, why not give it a spin!

There are changing facilities at the club. This is very practical if you are unable for whatever reason to arrive dressed to kill : Many of the more experienced gals will be only too pleased to assist you with make-up or whatever if you ask them nicely.

The club atmosphere is pretty relaxed in terms of attitude although at the same time has a certain vibe that runs through it.

A very important point for 'new' or 'first timer' girl is…. Nobody cares how accomplished you look or, more importantly, don't! (and I mean that in a good way).

People for the most part just seem to enjoy themselves and let their hair down, which is exactly as it should be. Whatever else you do, always bear in mind that you are amongst 'your own people', who will be happy for and supportive of you.

Sure, it can be a little nerve-wracking venturing out for the first time but the end result in terms of fun and enjoyment (and some might say relief) is well worth the first night nerves-take my word for it, I've been there!!

If you are worried about stepping into an environment that you are unfamiliar with, why not acquaint yourself by first going in drab?-Tranny speak for boy's clothes. That way, you can relax, have a few drinks and see what the score is first hand before dipping your handbag in the pond.

Going to a tranny club can be a wonderful experience and one you should not miss. If you do manage to venture out, I guarantee you will have only one regret and that is… that you didn't venture out earlier!

What type of people go to the club? Broadly speaking, I'd say it's about 45/45 admirers and transgender gals (of whatever type, ts/tv/cd/occasional dresser) with all points west making up the other ten per cent.

The girls vary from post-op transsexuals and what I'd term glamour girlies, to gals of 70 years of age or more in a dress, wearing little or no make-up….and that is one of the good things about the club I'd have to say-they have seen everything and are very welcoming of trannys of every age and 'standard', just so long as you are there to have fun, nobody cares!

Now for a little advice for you admirers out there… I think it a shame that so many of the lads stand about looking, to all intents and purposes terrified, with an expression on their faces that for all the world seems to cry out, 'I'm about to be arrested by the Met for stealing a girl's handbag, somebody help me!'…

Rule number 1… Relax! For God's sake!! True, the WO is hardly the place to bring your Mum (unless she perhaps twigged that she wasn't the only one wearing her stockings throughout your youth…,) brother (who may be a tranny in any case) or vicar (then again, what cassocked choir boy is not on the road to lifelong trannydom) but why not get to know one or two of the other lads at the club? That way, you'll make new friends with the same interest.

After all (and I know this will come as a shock to you..), they are there for the same reason you are and like the same thing that you do!! Yes!! It's true!!

And whatever else you do, spare us the, 'Well I was walking past and just thought it was a normal club, so popped in for a beer'. Righto ;) We've heard 'em all before darling :

Note also that although you might see a girl who makes you want to dive into Viking mode, she might not be a 'boy's' girl, if you catch my drift ;)

Many trannys are, to all other intents and purposes, 'straight' … So, you have my sympathy in that it can be a bit of a minefield.

That said, you will often have a fair indication: winking, giggling, smiling, blushing, nervously playing with her hair are fair indicators…You know, just like real girls!! And, should that be the case, then you might be on a winner - proceed with caution however!

In any event, what's the worst that can happen? (asides a well aimed stiletto in the bollocks that will make your eyes water for a week…).

Smile, be easy going, chatty and friendly and you'll get along fine.

Ask her name, offer to buy her a drink (nothing worse than a cheap guy) and don't automatically assume that you are guaranteed a leg-over at the end of the evening, since you may come off disappointed.

Most of the girls are perfectly happy to chat to the lads, so long as they are vaguely civilised and do not look as though they have just crawled out of a cabbage… Remember, it takes a lot of effort for the babes to look like they do and you'll find that most of them appreciate a little effort on your behalf too… So, turn the iron on, bathe at least once a month and leave the grotty trainers at home. If a man doesn't clean his shoes, what else doesn't he clean' as me dear old Mum says... ;)

There are numerous taxi drivers (as licensed by the club) at whatever time you leave by the way (more than might be strictly necessary some might say… a few unrequited passions there methinks : ) Bear in mind that they can be bargained with.

Anyway, there it is… Do chat to me if you see me there, I'll be only to pleased to have a natter and help you in any way if I can.

Lots of Love,
Tara Starr xxxx
TaraTrans@aol.com

The WayOut Club was reviewed by Tara Starr!